Post job

Dog trainer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, dog trainers don't need a college education. The most common degree for dog trainers is bachelor's degree with 40% graduates, with only 26% dog trainer graduates earning high school diploma. Dog trainers who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or American University. Some good skills to have in this position include pet, training techniques and customer service.

Popular dog trainer certifications include Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), OSHA Safety Certificate , or Pet First Aid. To improve dog trainer qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in dog trainer education paths.

What education do you need to become a dog trainer?

What degree do you need to be a dog trainer?

The most common degree for dog trainers is bachelor's degree, with 40% of dog trainers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are high school diploma degree at 26% and high school diploma degree at 22%.
  • Bachelor's, 40%
  • High School Diploma, 26%
  • Associate, 22%
  • Diploma, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become a dog trainer?

You should major in criminal justice to become a dog trainer. 13% of dog trainers major in criminal justice. Other common majors for a dog trainer include business and psychology.

Best majors for dog trainers

RankMajorPercentages
1Criminal Justice13.4%
2Business12.9%
3Psychology10.2%
4Biology8.1%
5Medical Assisting Services7.5%

20 best online courses for dog trainers

Advertising disclosure

1. Dog Training - Become A Dog Trainer - Dog Training Career

udemy
4.5
(900)

Turn dog training into an ideal career & become a professional dog trainer. Get the lifestyle you want & work with dogs...

2. DOG BEHAVIOR & DOG TRAINING: Fix Problems & Animal Behavior

udemy
4.1
(284)

BAD DOG BEHAVIOR? ENROLL NOW! Dog Training, Animal Behavior, Puppy Training, Canine Behavior, Dogs, Puppies/Animals/Pets...

3. Punishment-Free Dog Training: 30 Day Perfect Dog Blueprint

udemy
4.7
(1,252)

Create a Calm and Confident Dog in 30 Days Using These Proprietary DOG TRAINING GAMES...

4. From Puppy To Dog Training

udemy
4.6
(306)

The Complete Dog Obedience Training Course To A Fantastic Life With Your Dog...

5. Crucial Concepts in Dog Behavior & Training

udemy
4.5
(1,264)

Learn cutting edge and common sense concepts that make dog training incredibly easy and effective...

6. Science-Based Dog Training (with Feeling) - All 3 Days

udemy
4.4
(1,478)

Learn effective and enjoyable dog training methods that are science-based and ready for real-world dog training...

7. Dog & Cat Behavior Problems

udemy
4.8
(288)

Learn the essential training techniques you'll need to raise a pet dog or cat and fix common behavior problems...

8. Dog Training - How to Work With Aggressive Dogs.

udemy
4.3
(498)

A start to finish view into the rehabilitation of four aggressive dogs...

9. Dr. Ian Dunbar's SIRIUS® Dog Trainer Academy - All 4 Days

udemy
4.8
(2,136)

Learn how to train dogs the SIRIUS® way! Learn how to run and promote your own dog-friendly dog training business...

10. Reliability and Games 2-Day Dog Training Workshop

udemy
4.4
(1,007)

Training games are great for motivating owners and dogs alike. Learn to harness games to achieve rock-solid reliability...

11. Dog CPR, First Aid + Safety for pet pros + dedicated owners

udemy
4.8
(4,958)

Essential training to keep your dogs safe, attract clients & gain skills & confidence to take action in an emergency...

12. Simple Solutions for Common Dog Behavior & Training Problems

udemy
4.6
(3,462)

Learn to address house soiling, chewing, barking, digging, separation anxiety, jumping up, pulling on leash and more...

13. Inside Your Dog's Mind with Victoria Stilwell

udemy
4.8
(2,530)

Understanding canine behavior and how dogs think, feel and learn to make dog training easier & more effective...

14. Growl Class - A Workshop Demo for Reactive Dogs

udemy
4.5
(2,939)

Dr. Ian Dunbar demonstrates how to use a group class setting to deal with dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs...

15. Treatment & Prevention of Dog Aggression: Biting & Fighting

udemy
4.7
(1,122)

Learn new concepts that can significantly accelerate the training of dogs with aggression and reactivity issues...

16. Natural Dog Nutrition & Wellbeing - Nature Knows Best!

udemy
4.4
(529)

Discover how to boost your dog's health, extend its life, prevent disease and keep its tail wagging for longer.....

17. How to Train a Puppy

udemy
4.8
(429)

Train your puppy the right way with Dr. Ian Dunbar. Includes 13 videos, 4 books, and 16 behavior blueprints...

18. Animal Psychology/ Pets Behaviour - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE

udemy
4.5
(924)

Learn about behaviour in dogs, dealing with cats, rabbit behaviour, cats and dogs psychology, aggression in dogs, pet...

19. Customer Service Fundamentals: Putting People First

udemy
4.4
(313)

Customer Care Listening Great Customer Service Concern for Others Company Culture Engaging People Responding...

20. Train the Trainer 101: For Beginners Only!

udemy
4.6
(2,150)

Quickly go from trainee to trainer using The Rule the Room training method: How to Train Anything to Anyone...

Average dog trainer salary by education level

According to our data, dog trainers with a Bachelor's degree earn the highest average salary, at $33,646 annually. Dog trainers with a Associate degree earn an average annual salary of $32,863.
Dog trainer education levelDog trainer salary
High School Diploma or Less$32,044
Bachelor's Degree$33,646
Some College/ Associate Degree$32,863

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse personal care and attendants jobs